These sites provide tools for creating 3D objects.

3Dtin

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Website:
http://www.3dtin.com/
Distribution:
In browser, Web GL ready browser required
Anonymous User:
View, create and edit 3D models
Logged-in User:
Save and share models with others online
Email Use:
Required for log-in account creation
Paid Option:
Create private sketches, remove ads, run in full screen
Comparison:
Very robust 3D tools, focused on building 3D from interplay of
3D objects, extensive tutorials, can be sluggish to run,
occasional camera orientation confusion
Description:
By combining faces, arcs and 3D shapes in 3D space, and
choosing the texture of the objects created, users create their
own 3D rendering of whatever they decide to design
Uses:
User could make a personal avatar, an invention they
wish existed, a location of a current event
Photosynth

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Website:
http://photosynth.net
Distribution:
Download (Windows XP or higher)
Anonymous User:
View published photosynths
Logged-in User:
Create, edit and comment on photosynths
Email Use:
Required for log-in account (allows users to make a hotmail
account if no email address exists)
Paid Option:
N/A
Comparison:
Program automatically generates 3D "point cloud" from
images, easy to use, good privacy options, no way to edit
photosynth once created.
Description:
By taking a series of pictures which overlap around a 3D space
or by taking a series of pictures which overlap around a 3D
object, and uploading them using Photosynth, the online
server automatically stitches the photos together, finds common
points in relative 3D space and generates a 3D model of the
picture area
Uses:
Students could render their classroom in 3D, make a synth of
their favorite childhood toy, or of a landmark they want to visit
(using online sourced photos)

Sketch-up

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Website:
http://sketchup.google.com
Distribution:
Download (Windows XP, Mac 10.5 or higher)
Anonymous User:
Download, run and create 3D models with the program
Logged-in User:
Share models with others online
Email Use:
Required for log-in account (allows users to make a gmail
account if no email address exists)
Paid Option:
Automatically create 2D blueprints, export 3D objects, add
additional data to 3D model
Comparison:
Very robust 3D tools, focused on building 3D from interplay of
2D shapes, extensive tutorials, can be overwhelming to initally
learn
Description:
By combining faces, arcs and 3D shapes in 3D space, and
choosing the texture of the objects created, users create their
own 3D rendering of whatever they decide to design
Uses:
User could make a personal avatar, an invention they wish
existed, a location of a current event

Digi mi

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Website:
http://www.gizmoz.com/newsite/presite/home.jsp
Distribution:
In browser, flash plug-in or download (Windows or Mac)
Anonymous User:
View and create digital avatars
Logged-in User:
Save and publish digital avatars
Email Use:
Required for log-in account creation
Paid Option:
Additional outfits, expressions, eye colors, export 3D mesh to
other software
Comparison:
Easy to use, wide variety of preset options available, only
creates human (or relatively human) avatars, only image
exporting is free
Description:
User can choose body type, clothing and other characteristics
of a 3D human avatar. The avatar can be saved and shared.
Uses:
User could create a representation of themselves, create
representations of who students aspire to be, create historical
figures